Owens Is the Odd Man Out

Eric Owens has made the most of limited playing time since Darin Erstad returned from the disabled list nearly a month ago, but the reserve outfielder’s role has been vastly diminished.

Owens has made only three starts and had 13 at-bats since Erstad’s return June 9, though he batted .385 over that stretch, with his only home run of the season, to raise his average from .212 to .232.

“There’s nothing forgotten about Eric,” Angel Manager Mike Scioscia said. “He’s playing much better, he’s swinging much better. He’s still a big part of what we expect to do here in the second half.”

The Angels signed Owens in the off-season with the expectation that the journeyman could contribute off the bench and as an occasional replacement for right fielder Tim Salmon.

Despite a few key hits early in the season, Owens has been a disappointment. He has driven in 12 runs in 125 at-bats, possesses a .280 slugging percentage and is batting .200 as a pinch-hitter. He also has made three errors.

With the emergence of Jeff DaVanon as a capable hitter and defensive outfielder, Owens figures to scuffle for playing time the rest of the season.

“Sometimes it’s tough on some individuals, and I know E.O. wants to get out there and contribute,” Scioscia said. “Right now we’re trying to sort some things out and get some continuity going. But I know he’ll be part of our push.”

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Chone Figgins was in the starting lineup for the first time in seven games since his most recent call-up, but the reserve second baseman said he had not been on the verge of storming into Scioscia’s office and demanding playing time.

“I just have to wait for my time and just keep working hard and when I get my opportunity, make the best of it,” said Figgins, who before Thursday had batted .317 in 18 games during three separate stints with the Angels. “I just worry about making sure I get my work in. In triple A I was working hard and getting things done, so I just have to wait for my opportunity to do the same thing here.”

Figgins was batting .308 with 12 triples and 15 stolen bases with Salt Lake before being recalled last week after designated hitter Brad Fullmer suffered a season-ending knee injury.

ON DECK

Opponent -- Oakland Athletics, three games.

Site -- Network Associates Coliseum, Oakland.

TV -- ESPN, tonight; Channel 9, Saturday and Sunday.

Radio -- KSPN (710) and KWKU (1220) tonight; XKAM (950) Saturday and Sunday.

Records -- Angels 42-41, Athletics 48-36.

Record vs. Athletics -- 3-3.

Tonight, 5 -- Aaron Sele (4-6, 6.29) vs. Mark Mulder (11-5, 3.25).

Saturday, 6 p.m. -- Ramon Ortiz (9-6, 4.66) vs. Aaron Harang (1-2, 4.40).

Sunday, 1 p.m. -- Jarrod Washburn (7-9, 4.30) vs. Tim Hudson (6-3, 2.97).